Statistics from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), compiled using data from the Department for Communities and Local Government and confirmed by Huntingdonshire District Council, revealed that income after expenditure fell from £450,000 in 2010/11 to £261,000 in 2011/12.

The council attributed the fall to the economic downturn, saying that low consumer confidence has affected parking revenues, but hopes that “maintaining low parking prices, including parking that is currently free on Sundays, we will encourage people into our towns”.

Last week The Hunts Post reported how HDC had rejected a previous proposal to lengthen the minimum stay to two hours after a public consultation – but would increase the one-hour charge to 80p, a rise of 33 per cent.

Although the IAM said most councils’ car parking profits had gone up, Councillor Nick Guyatt, deputy executive leader of HDC, said: “We are no different from many other districts of our size in that revenue from car parking has been in decline over recent years.

“Unfortunately due to the recession, people are spending less and are therefore shopping less on the high street.”

He added that: “Parking in Huntingdonshire continues to represent excellent value for money compared with other districts, and we are keen that people visit market towns to use all the services and shops on offer.”